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How Magicians Invented the Impossible and Learned to Disappear

Nikolai Gogol

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Published in Hiding The Elephant: How Magicians Invented The Impossible And Learned To Disappear

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A Magician Making A Dove Disappear Hiding The Elephant: How Magicians Invented The Impossible And Learned To Disappear

Magic has always captivated human imagination. From the ancient sorcerers who claimed to control the elements to the modern-day illusionists who defy gravity and vanish into thin air, magicians have pushed the boundaries of human perception and created the impossible.

Hiding the Elephant: How Magicians Invented the Impossible and Learned to Disappear

by David Maraniss

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	352 pages
File size	:	4753 KB

In his new book, "How Magicians Invented the Impossible and Learned to Disappear," author Robert Bloch takes us on a journey into the hidden world of magic, revealing the secrets behind some of the most iconic illusions of all time.

Bloch begins his book with a brief history of magic, from its roots in ancient shamanism to its rise as a popular form of entertainment in the 19th century. He then profiles some of the most famous magicians in history, including Harry Houdini, Howard Thurston, and David Copperfield.

Bloch's interviews with these magicians and their assistants provide a fascinating glimpse into the world of magic. We learn how Houdini escaped from his underwater straitjacket, how Thurston levitated a 500-pound woman, and how Copperfield made the Statue of Liberty disappear.

In addition to revealing the secrets behind these famous illusions, Bloch also explores the science of magic. He explains how magicians use psychology, physics, and chemistry to create their illusions. For example, he discusses how magicians use misdirection to distract the audience's attention and how they use sleight of hand to manipulate objects without being detected.

"How Magicians Invented the Impossible and Learned to Disappear" is a fascinating and informative book that will appeal to anyone interested in the art of magic. Bloch's writing is clear and engaging, and he does a great job of explaining the complex science behind magic in a way that is easy to understand.

If you've ever wondered how magicians do their amazing tricks, then this book is for you. Bloch provides a behind-the-scenes look at the world of magic, revealing the secrets behind some of the most iconic illusions of all time.

Hiding the Elephant: How Magicians Invented the Impossible and Learned to Disappear

by David Maraniss

4.5 out of 5